One year ago today I was traveling alone making my way to South America to participate in the Dakar. At the time I had mixed emotions of excitement of what was to come, questioning preparedness, nervousness to the unknown and a little sadness as I was embarking on this great adventure alone. Though the outcome was not what I had expected and during the moments of defeat I often questioned why, I look back at what a great experience it was. I made new friends, had tons of support from people I knew and even more from folks I hadn't met. Thank you to all who made this possible.

There is something indescribable about the call to do something as challenging as the Dakar and the desire to succeed at it. As those who followed last years events know I did not make the finish line. Now over the course of the past year reflecting and pondering the "what if's" I hear the saying of "if at first you don't succeed try, try again" over and over again.

The last year has been extremely busy, always on the go for work, a race or a little personal adventure. I did not keep up with the blog but will soon post a cliff notes version of the past years adventures and mishaps as well as news of things to come for 2013.

Thank you again to everyone who made last year's go at the Dakar possible, from sponsors, individual contributors and those wishing encouragement, I greatly appreciate it.

For those going to the Dakar this year, good luck and enjoy the moment!

I've always had a curiosity to the origins of sayings, unique words and the such so I looked up the phrase "try,try again". As always I find there is more to it, an entire poem;

Try Try Again
by T. H. Palmer

'Tis a lesson you should heed,
If at first you don't succeed,
Try, try again;

Then your courage should appear,
For if you will persevere,
You will conquer, never fear
Try, try again;

Once or twice, though you should fail,
If you would at last prevail,
Try, try again;

If we strive, 'tis no disgrace
Though we do not win the race;
What should you do in the case?
Try, try again

If you find your task is hard,
Time will bring you your reward,
Try, try again

All that other folks can do,
Why, with patience, should not you?
Only keep this rule in view:
Try, try again.